Happy new year my lovelies! I do hope you’ve all had a fabulous time and that January 2018 hasn’t arrived with too much shock to the system.
Such a weird time of year this first week of Jan. My lead up to Christmas – probably much like everyone else’s – was a flurry of work and panic shopping, drinking and feasting to excess like crazy bear people and without so much of a sniff of sewing time, and then… it’s all back to normal. Or as normal as it gets. And now I’m left in a constant state of thinking I’ve forgotten to do something, or that I’m meant to be somewhere. And it’s really hard to to rein in the graze and remember to go for the tap and not the wine bottle. Sound familiar?!
I awarded myself some sewing time between Christmas and New Year and the balance is still good so far, following week one in the work-house so I’ve signed up to Rochelle’s #2018makenine on Instagram – an easy enough challenge whereby we are encouraged to declare nine things we’d love to make throughout the year. And last night I managed to strike one of my intended projects off the list. Well two, actually, if the one I made for New Years eve counts!
This dress a very gentle casual-style ease back into the sewing game kind of project: Burda Style Issue 12/2016 Bell-sleeve dress. It’s been a long while since I made anything Burda and I forgot all about wanting to make this dress till I had a had a sort out of my magazine collection. I’ve been collecting them since December 2010. I’m sure it would be easier to search up what I wanted on the site and download the pdf pattern but I quite like that I always have the pattern already and don’t mind tracing it off too much. Especially when there’s not too many pieces involved.
Really not very much to report on construction: A couple of bust darts and a neckline facing with a bit of understitching being the only faffs. And then my usual alterations. A sway back adjustment for one. So I just located the waistline and effectively took a horizontal dart 5cms from the back seam tapering to nothing at the side seam. It’s amazing how much of a difference this makes.
I used a stretch jersey as recommended but was confused by the need for a zip. So I tacked the back pieces together to check the fit before I went and sunk those tiny stretch stitches into the fabric.
It was a good bit of hindsight and proved that I didn’t need a zip at all so I hi-fived myself and stitched it down.
The only other adjustment I made was to nip it in at the waistline a bit by marking in an inch and tapering back out to the side seams. Not too much of an issue as I was going to overlock a small seam allowance afterwards.
The fabric is a very soft, substantial jersey knit with a bit of glitter action so I can still carry a bit of a party round with me even though the season is done and dusted.
The funnel sleeves are what sold me. They add a bit of fun and create a great silhouette to what is otherwise a very simple V-neck dress. The flounce is added to the sleeve before sewing up the under arm seam and insetting. And not for the first time, I am so impressed with the perfect amount of ease Burda gets right on the sleeve cap every single time. Not a pucker in sight!
Well this dress has definitely filled a gap in the wardrobe: It’s perfect for work, 80 deniers and boots; worked great with a pair of Doc Martens (and a warm coat) for a river walk today and I’m sure a pair of heels and some twinkly earrings will transform it from a day to night-out dress. All bases covered!
It really does feel so good to be back behind the machine. I was so busy with work leading up to Christmas that there was no time for sewing and I missed it so much. I’m hoping to cut into the next one on my list soon and keep up a bit of wardrobe re-stocking while I can.
Gorgeous Janene, what a fab dress! Sadly my sewing mojo has hit an all time low but your blog post has inspired me to get back to the sewing machine. Happy New Year lovely. x
Happy New Year, Jane. And thank you. Chuffed to be of help but hey, the feeling is mutual. You’ve inspired me to don my PE kit and go ‘running’. My version is a kind of fast walk really but I’ve definitely been motivated by your get-up-and-go-ness! x
Such a gorgeous and versatile dress! I love how you can dress it up or down and the fabric is a lovely choice.
Your first paragraph rung so true with me…really struggling to get going now it’s January and remember to not eat like food is going out of fashion.
So pleased to see this pattern sewn up and looking so good!
Happy new year!
There’s always a reason to wear glitter. Always.
Your dress is fabulous, and I’m loving your Make Nine picks.
Omg love it. and you make simple look ultra glamorous, me! Just like everyone else I have lost my sewing mojo however if I could just find the right fabric this looks like it could be an excellent project post Christmas eh? The style may help to hide a bit of gained weight and IF I loose it looks perfect to take in.
Thank you for sending motivation
Kind regards Carole
Gorgeous!! I’m currently tackling the flounce skirt from this collection and find myself wrestling with the Burda instructions. It’s a bit waffly and unclear for my taste, may have to go off piste and stear the way with intuition. How did you fair with the instructions?
Can’t wait to see your next creations!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com